Inside Google

After Google Car Crashes Into Bus, Consumer Groups Call For Transparency, Public Involvement As DOT, NHTSA Develop Self-Driving Car Policies

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of a Google self-driving car crashing into a bus, a coalition of consumer groups called on the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “to commit to maximum transparency and public involvement” as they develop policy and safety standards covering autonomous self-driving vehicles.

Google Robot Car Sideswipes Bus On Valentines Day; Consumer Watchdog Reiterates Call For Police Investigation, Release of Video and Technical Data Tied To Crash

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – A Valentine’s Day crash in which a self-driving Google robot car sideswiped a bus demonstrates the need for a police investigation and the release of technical data and video associated with the crash, Consumer Watchdog said today.

NHTSA Wrong To Say Computers Count As Drivers Of Robot Cars, Consumer Watchdog Says; Google’s Own Data Shows Human Drivers Are Needed Behind Wheel

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is wrong to say the artificial intelligence guiding an autonomous robot car counts as the driver, Consumer Watchdog said today, adding that Google’s own test data demonstrates the need for a human driver who can take control when necessary.

Bikes, Pedestrians, Other Cars and Tree Branches Among Real-Road Scenarios Robot Cars Can’t Handle

John M. Simpson

Consumer Watchdog Backs California DMV’s Draft Robot Car Regulations Requiring A Driver Behind The Wheel

SACRAMENTO, CA – Consumer Watchdog today strongly endorsed the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ draft regulations for autonomous vehicles that require self-driving robot cars have a licensed driver behind the wheel capable of taking control, and a working steering wheel, gas pedal and brake.

Google’s 2015 Spending On Lobbying Tops $16 Million For Second Year, Leading 16 Tech And Communications Companies; Facebook, Amazon, Apple Post Records

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Google’s federal lobbying expenses in 2015 topped $16 million for the second year in a row, according to records just filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and analyzed today by Consumer Watchdog.

Google’s Own Robot Car “Disengagement” Report Shows Need For Driver Behind Wheel, Consumer Watchdog Says; Group Calls for Release of Videos Of Incidents

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Google’s just released report detailing when human drivers took control of a self-driving robot car being tested underscores the need – as required by California DMV draft regulations – for a driver behind a steering wheel of a self-driving car, Consumer Watchdog said today.

Don’t Be Fooled By Robot Car Hype At CES Gadget Show, Consumer Watchdog Warns

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Consumers and regulators should not be fooled by the autonomous vehicle hype coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Consumer Watchdog warned today.

New DMV Robot Car Rules Prioritize Safety; Follow Consumer Watchdog’s Call To Require Steering Wheel And Pedals; Privacy & Cybersecurity Also Addressed

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Draft regulations covering self-driving robot cars issued today by the California Department of Motor Vehicles incorporate a key safety provision advocated by Consumer Watchdog and require the robot cars to have a steering wheel and pedals and be occupied by a licensed driver capable of taking control of the vehicle.

Don’t Rush Robot Car Rules, Consumer Watchdog Tells Transportation Secretary Foxx

John M. Simpson

Put Focus On Enforceable Standards For Automated Technologies That Improve Safety
SANTA MONICA, CA – Self-driving robot cars are not ready for public use and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must not rush to implement regulations covering the vehicles as it updates its policy on automated vehicle technologies, Consumer Watchdog said today.

Consumer Watchdog Urges California DMV To Ignore Google’s Pressure, Continue Deliberate Pace To Act In Public Interest On Writing Robot Car Regulations

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Consumer Watchdog today called on the California Department of Motor Vehicles to rebuff pressure from Google and continue at a deliberate pace to ensure regulations covering robot cars protect public safety.